May give a shock of pleasure to the frame,
More exquisite than when nectarean juice
Renews the life of joy in happiest hours.
It is a little thing to speak a phrase
Of common comfort which by daily use
Has almost lost its sense; yet on the ear
Of him who thought to die unmourn'd 'twill fall
Like choicest music; fill the glazing eye
With gentle tears; relax the knotted hand
To know the bonds of fellowship again;
And shed on the departing soul a sense
More precious than the benison of friends
About the honour'd death-bed of the rich,
To him who else were lonely, that another
Of the great family is near and feels.

CLEMANTHE.

O thou canst never bear these mournful offices!
So blithe, so merry once! Will not the sight
Of frenzied agonies unfix thy reason,

Or the dumb woe congeal thee?

ION.

No, Clemanthe;

They are the patient sorrows that touch nearest !
If thou hadst seen the warrior when he writhed
In the last grapple of his sinewy frame

With conquering anguish, strive to cast a smile
(And not in vain) upon his fragile wife,
Waning beside him, and, his limbs composed,
The widow of the moment fix her gaze
Of longing, speechless love, upon the babe,
The only living thing which yet was hers,
Spreading its arms for its own resting-place,
Yet with attenuated hand wave off

The unstricken child, and so embraceless die,
Stifling the mighty hunger of the heart,

Thou couldst endure the sight of selfish grief
In sullenness or frenzy."

Now, this is fine and touching. We cannot, however, say of the drama, that it is anywhere less laboured or more powerful.

ART. XXII-Syria, the Holy Land, Asia Minor, &c. Illustrated in a Series of Views Drawn from Nature. By W. H. BARtlett, WILLIAM PURSER, &c. With Descriptions of the Plates. By JOHN CARNE, Esq., Author of "Letters from the East," &c. Part I. London: Fisher, Son and Co. 1836. THIS is one of the most charming things we ever beheld, belonging to the same class of publications-a class that has of late years included an unprecedented number of beautiful and enticing works. It contains five plates, viz. "Hadgi or Mecca Pilgrims encamped near Antioch, on the Banks of the Orontes; Damascus from above Salahyeh; Fall of the River Cydnus, near Tarsus; Ruins of Balbec; and a Turkish Divan,

Damascus." Surely Mr. Bartlett never was more felicitous than in the drawings from which the present plates have all been taken. With Mr. Carne's glowing enthusiastic descriptions, these views carry the imagi nation most forcibly to lands which inspiration has consecrated-where the most imposing images of the days of old are presented, and where the noblest monuments of early civilization are profusely strewn, though in ruins.

At all times, the countries about to be illustrated in this work, have possessed a surpassing interest to Christian travellers and readers. But from the facilities of conveyance to them, already existing, and others under experiment or in contemplation, a new consideration has arisen that must confer on such a publication an additional value. Who can tell what steam-navigation and rail-roads are about to accomplish in behalf of lands that are desolate or benighted, or peopled by tribes sunk in apathy and barbarism; but which, if brought within the influence of Enropean intelligence and enterprize, may soon afford the most gratifying spectacle this world has in store-that of regeneration-the regeneration, physical, moral, and religious, of Palestine and the neighbouring regions, with which the history of the salvation of mankind is so indissolubly associated? We look upon this work, therefore, as one eminently happy as regards design and speculation, as well as execution, in so far as the first part goes; nor, from the pledges given by the publishers,. can we for a moment suppose that the succeeding portions will in any particular fall short even of such a fine specimen. The only wonder with us is, how, for two shillings, each part can be brought out in the lovely and perfect style of the present one. It would appear, however, that the proprietors entertain sanguine hopes of the work becoming popular, both in America and France; and we are confident that their hopes are not misplaced. The only marvel is, that countries so rich in the most splendid scenes of nature's monuments of art, historical associations, and promise as to the future, should not long ago have been ransacked for similar purposes as those entertained by the parties interested in these Illustrations and Descriptions.

ART. XXIII.-Opinions of the European Press on the Eastern Question. Translated and Extracted from Turkish, German, French, and English Papers and Reviews. Edited by DAVID ROSS, of Bladenburg, Esq. London: Ridgway. 1836.

THESE translations and extracts consist of some of the best essays and papers that have been written since the commencement of the year 1835, on the designs of Russia, the condition and prospects of Turkey, and the power, as well as duties, belonging to certain of the great European kingdoms-England especially-to check the encroachments of the northern autocrat. The editor, from his preface and notes, seems to have been a resident in Turkey for a considerable time, and to possess a thorough acquaintance with the Eastern question. He maintains, that down to 1835, the leading reviews and journals in this country, and the public in general, were ignorant and entirely mistaken as to the bearings of the subject; that England neglected the small commencements of events till they reached an alarming

magnitude, and hence our actual difficulties; that when England began to stir herself, even her energy was in accordance with the views of Russia; that in fact, Russia, like a strong man fighting with an invisible anta gonist, presented to the perplexed spectator, attitudes and movements of which he could neither comprehend the cause, nor calculate the effects." A light, however, has at length broken in upon the subject, throughout this country, France, and Germany, viz. that Turkey is not yet defunct, and that our case is not yet desperate. Russia has perhaps, in consequence, been prevented from planting her standard on the shores of the Mediterranean, while Turkey feels that she begins to be understood, and, consequently, the revival of a strong spirit of nationality is now to be witnes sed throughout that empire. We believe that the works which have been given to the world, on the Eastern question, by the publishers of the present volume, have greatly, nay mainly, contributed to the dissemination of sound views on this great subject; nor can we doubt of these collected translations and extracts, so well chosen and edited as they are, tending still farther to enlighten the mind and invigorate the arm of England in behalf of freedom and justice, and to the effectual checking of the despot's ambition.

ART. XXIV.-A Defence of the Church of England. By Dr. SAMUEL JOHNSON. London: Wilson. 1836.

We do not well know what the author, Mr. Johnson, who styles himself "A Non-Sectarian," would be at; but we know that he writes forcibly and cuttingly. To go farther into his views, which are extremely hostile to Church Establishments, to the Episcopal Church as established in England and Ireland, and to what he considers to be priest-craft in general, is beside our province.

ART. XXV.-A Guide to St. Petersburg and Moscow, by Hamburg, Lubeck, Travemunde, and by Steam packet across the Baltic, to Cronstadt, &c. By FRANCIS COGHLAN. London: Published by the Au

thor.

MR. COGHLAN is determined, that whilst there is a new route to be found, the public shall not want a complete Guide to it. The path he has taken upon the present occasion is really a new one. Paris, Brussels, the Rhine, Italy, and Switzerland, have by him, and by many others, been made as familiar to us as Wales or Scotland are. But here we have much of a most interesting as well as untrodden field laid open, as far as tourists are concerned, to which such rapid and easy access is now obtained, that in this age of travelling and adventure, the most timid and the most fragile will think nothing of it, after becoming possessed of the Guide before

us.

Mr. Coghlan takes an admirable way for arriving at all that he wishes to know and to detail: he at once sets his foot on board of a steamer at London Bridge, for the "City of Palaces," and enters into his note-book, in a plain, unpretending, but succinct yet comprehensive manner, every item regarding expense, judicious methods of procedure, places of en

tertainment, sights to be seen, &c. In short, there can be no doubt of numbers being tempted to take this Guide in hand, and follow his steps to the proud cities of Russia, before this summer ends; for his transit was most pleasurable to St. Petersburg, and accomplished in seven days. The plans which illustrate this entertaining and useful little volume add greatly to its value. It requires only to be seen to be properly appreciated.

ART. XXVI.-Meetings for Amusing Knowledge; or, the Happy Valley. By Miss H. J. Woop. With Engravings. London: Wilson. A CHARMING Vvolume for juvenile readers; full of variety and talent; of entertainment and lessons that cannot fail to arrest the reader's mind, be he young or old. There are lectures on shells and their inhabitants, descriptions of curiosities fit for a museum; tales, dramatic sketches, tours, essays, conversations, &c. The Happy Valley is placed in Derbyshire, and the freshness, vigour, and accuracy of the composition, both as to conception and style of writing, is worthy of the scenery pictured. We recommend this as a superior production, of the juvenile class.

ART. XXVII.—Inklings of Adventure. By the Author of "Pencillings by the Way." 3 vols. London: Saunders and Otley. 1836. THESE tales and sketches first appeared in the New Monthly, where they deservedly attracted many admirers. In their present form they are sure to captivate many more. If Mr. Willis has not the graceful taste and gentle humour of his compatriot, Washington Irving, nor the sustained dignity of another celebrated American, Cooper, he is not a whit behind them as respects truth-giving and spirited pictures of character, adventure, or scenery. He is humorous, elegant, and pathetic by turns. His taste may not always be equal or consistent, and he is grotesque and exaggerated sometimes, instead of being natural. But take his sketches, altogether, they must be pronounced capital; and the best proof of this wholesale character will be found to consist in the reader's regret at finding them come so soon to an end, and the desire to meet the author again on similar ground, or any ground he may choose to occupy.

ART. XXVIII.-Lord Rolan; a Romance. By ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. 3 vols. London: Macrone. 1836.

THE author's best field, in so far as his peculiar powers and tastes are concerned, is to be found among the glens, and upon the mountains of " Auld Scotland;" we feel inclined, indeed, to confine him to that country, and to one district of it-his native one. For, however gracefully and poetically he may write, wherever he goes, or whatever it may be that he handles, he is so peculiarly at home, within the sphere now indicated, that we are unwilling to accompany him beyond it, and continually long to have him back again. Allan Cunningham is literally steeped to the lips in all the affecting and romantic traditions and sentiments that are popular in the part of Scotland to which he belongs. We must again declare, however, that wherever he goes he delineates scenes and characters beautifully

and gracefully, as Lord Roldan unquestionably proves; and we hesitate not to declare that there are pictures and passages in these volumes which are equal to the best things the gifted and esteemed author ever published; and that, as a whole, the work will add to Allan Cunningham's fame.

ART. XXIX.-Progressive Exercises in German Writing. By WIL HELM KLAUER-KLATTOWSKT, Author of "The German Manual for SelfTuition," &c. London: Simpkin and Marshall. 1836.

This gives us, certainly, one of the clearest and most satisfactory elementary views we have ever examined of the grammatical structure of the German language. Of elementary educational works, to be sure, there is no end, whether the language be German, French, or English; and most of them possess peculiar merits, such as their authors, or compilers, have very generally found to have been practically useful, while, after all, there may be no essential difference amongst them. In the present case, however, there is more novelty than usual, as well as an uncommon degree of clearness and simplicity in the Introduction to the Exercises. To the student, and to the foreign tourist in Germany, we can confidently recom mend the work. A ver y slight glance into it will, indeed, be its best recommendation:

ART. XXX.-Report on the Commerce of the Ports of New Russiä, Moldavia, and Wallachia, made to the Russian Government, in 1835. By JULIUS DE HAGEMEISTER. Translated by T. F. Triebner. Lon

don: Wilson. 1836.

THE author was an attaché to the Government of New Russia, &c., the local authorities of which provinces were expressly commanded to facilitate his inquiries to the utmost extent, and in the most efficient manner. He has accordingly been enabled to produce a work full of detailed information ofthe most interesting and valuable character. to the merchants of Great Britain. This Report of the commerce, of the ports on the shores of the Black Sea presents, indeed, a highly gratifying theme to every subject of the British crown, inasmuch as it places in a striking light the rapid increase of a trade which is but of recent origin. The limits of a notice, such as we can only afford room for introducing, does not allow us to enter into any summary of the details of the volume; but while we assore cur mercantile readers that it will gratify their curiosity and stimulate their enterprise, it also exhibits to the legislator, in a forcible manner, how the commerce of this country may become a point whence great influence and power may be exercised over Russia.

ABT XXXI.-A Collection of English Sonnets, from the Reign of Henry VIII. to the present Day, inclusive; with an Introduction and copious Notes. By R. F. HOUSMAN. London: Whittaker. 1836. HERE are three hundred sonnets, taken from Shakespeare, Spenser, Milton, Wordsworth, and all the most celebrated sonnetteers who have written in the language. Amongst these not a few are to be found, which to the